Vacaville pastor back in court

A Vacaville pastor accused of wrongly using church property to post bail following his arrest on suspicion of arson will put his case before a jury late next month.

Fellowship Baptist Church Pastor Mark Lewis on Wednesday appeared in Solano County Superior Court where he pleaded not guilty to charges of perjury, attempting to record a false or forged instrument and theft by false pretenses. Attorneys in the case agreed to hold a jury trial on May 28.

During a probable cause hearing last month, prosecutors presented evidence that ownership of the two church parcels used to secure Lewis' bail following his arrest on suspicion of arson came under scrutiny from the bail agent's insurance company, which questioned whether Lewis and several church members had the authority to use it as collateral.

Lewis was initially arrested in connection with the Jan. 9 firebombing of his ex-girlfriend's home.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of arson of an inhabited structure; stalking; and possession or manufacture of a combustible or explosive material, in connection with that case. A probable cause hearing is set for June 2 on that matter.

Lewis has pleaded not guilty and remains in Solano County Jail custody, with bail set at $575,000.